Question

the table below lists information about two common types of nuclear radiation. fill in the missing
note: round masses to the nearest atomic mass unit (u).
name\tmatter or energy?\tmass (u)\tcharge (e)\tcan be stopped by
gamma\t○ matter
○ energy\t□\t□\tselect
alpha\t○ matter
○ energy\t□\t□\tselect

Explanation:

Gamma Radiation

Matter or Energy

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which is energy.

Mass

Gamma rays have no mass, so the mass is \(0\) u.

Charge

Gamma rays are neutral, so the charge is \(0\) e.

Stopped by

Gamma radiation can be stopped by thick lead or concrete.

Alpha Radiation

Matter or Energy

Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles (helium - 4 nuclei), which are matter.

Mass

An alpha particle has 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The mass of a proton is approximately \(1\) u and the mass of a neutron is approximately \(1\) u. So the mass of an alpha particle is \(2 + 2=4\) u.

Charge

An alpha particle has 2 protons (each with a charge of \(+ 1\) e) and 0 electrons. So the charge is \(+2\) e.

Stopped by

Alpha radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin.

Answer:

name	matter or energy?	mass (u)	charge (e)	can be stopped by
alpha	matter	\(4\)	\(+2\)	a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin